How do you eat an animal? - Saturday, March 10th

One bite at a time.

Today I'm writing about setting goals. And to set a goal, you have to make a pyramid with four layers. The Goal, Emotions, Reasoning, and How to.

The GOAL

At the top of the pyramid, write down your goal and make it detailed. For example: "I want to lose 50  pounds in five months." Not, "I want to lose weight." Or, "I want to get healthy."

EMOTIONS

Next, form an emotional connection to your goal so that you are willing to do the work - associate your goal with whatever the ultimate feeling you are looking to feel upon completing your goal. Perhaps it is of feeling loved, feeling happy, or feeling beautiful. What are the emotional benefits to attaining your goal?

REASONING

People can accomplish anything if they feel it is worth it and that they are capable: write down all the reasons your goal is possible and all the reasons it's worth it in this layer. Ex. I will lower my risk for heart disease, I will fit into a smaller size clothing, and I will be able to run longer distances.

HOW TO

At the bottom of the pyramid, you'll define a timeline and break your goal down into smaller goals by both time (5 months = lose 10 pounds each month = 2.5 pounds each week) and by definition: Ex. "I need to start working out 5 times a week for 30 minutes = how to make time to go to the gym; and I need to eat well = how to cook healthy, how to count calories."

And remember to use affirming rewards: for every day that I work out, I will add $2 to my itunes fund; for every week I meetlbs goal, I will get a manicure; for every month I lose 10 pounds, I will buy a new CD."

P.S. This pyramid was created by Jillian Michaels, and THIS (the above) is my goal. Thanks for reading!